Can the dehesa system work as a carbon sink? Analysis of the case of the Dehesón del Encinar.

Abstract

Agroforestry systems are considered multi-purpose systems, aimed towards achieving an increased and more efficient use of natural resources. This acquires greater relevance in Mediterranean areas where high yield is compromised and non-timber goods and services are the main ecosystems products. The dehesa is a well-known agroforestry system that occupies more than 3.10 6 ha in the Iberian Peninsula. In spite of their importance, there is a lack of knowledge of multiple issues regarding the ecosystem functioning and dynamics. One of the potential services of the dehesa is CO2 fixation which should be incorporated into the management planning. In this work the potential of dehesas as C sink is analysed in the framework of a Spanish Research National Plan project carried out in several dehesa system locations in Spain.